Classic car atop Calgary diner gets makeover after being vandalized 

A classic car on the roof of a northwest Calgary diner is back in its rightful resting place with a shiny new look, after being vandalized in late February.

The 1963 Cadillac on the roof of Angel’s Drive In in the community of Bowness is back where it belongs, looking shinier than ever, thanks to an outpouring of support from residents.

The vintage car has been staple at the drive in since 2007, after it was donated by a long-time customer, but in late February, vandals defaced the car and the business itself with spray paint. 

“Everything was vandalized,” says owner Brooke Wetzel. “The windows, the back of the restaurant, and obviously the car.”

At the time, Calgary police said the damage was more than $5,000 and they were reviewing video evidence to learn more.

A group of volunteer auto body professionals dedicated their time and helped restore the car back to its original factory colour, and last Thursday, it was raised back onto the roof. 

“There is so many people that reached out, right off the bat,” says Wetzel. “Not something surprising in the community of Bowness. When things go sideways, we always got our community to help.”

The cars restoration was kickstarted by two local radio hosts, who asked their listeners to help in any way possible. 

After seeing the community come together, Angel’s decided to give back, offering free burgers to the first people in line Thursday.